Clubs in the season 2019/2020 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) and the leadership of the competition’s organisers, League Management Company (LMC), on Thursday evening met through digital video conferencing.
According to a report on the LMC website, the meeting afforded them the opportunity to assess varying options to concluding the suspended 2019/2020 season.
The meeting came on the heels of the LMC Board of Directors meeting held earlier in the day via same digital media.
All the clubs were reported to have offered a commitment to be part of any decision reached to conclude the NPFL season.
This will be whenever federal authorities advise for the opening of the country for business and other engagements including resumption of sports activities.
“It was unanimously agreed that we will continue to liaise with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Ministry of Youths and Sports Development on the possibilities that will work for us and taking into consideration decisions that may be reached by CAF and FIFA with regards to international tournaments, calendar and regulations etc.
“So, any option and/or format that may be chosen will also consider the available time frame within this framework,” the report quoted LMC Chairman Shehu Dikko as explaining.
It said the meeting also agreed that should there be any exceptional support to NPFL, the privately-funded clubs in the NPFL would get priority attention in the distribution.
“The clubs also affirmed their commitment to paying salaries and wages of their players and officials during the period and have no intention of cutting down salaries and wages of players under the current circumstances.
“They are even thinking of how to keep supporting their players within this difficult period in line with the objectives of their various owners.’’
Also, on the clubs’ personnel , the report indicated that it was also resolved that whenever the league would resume, all the players, coaches and backroom staff are to be tested for COVID 19.
This is among other strategies to be adopted to guarantee the well-being and health of everyone involved with the NPFL.
“In this regard, the LMC will liaise with the Minister of Sports to facilitate this objective.’’
The report added that the LMC was encouraged to continue liaising with sponsors and potential sponsors towards expanding the league’s revenue as envisaged.
The meeting agreed to keep motoring the situation as it unfolds as regards COVID-19 and to keep the conversation open accordingly.
